A September 30 attack outside Planet Hollywood has put a spotlight on Las Vegas street performer regulations. According to a Metropolitan Police Department arrest report, a North Carolina couple was assaulted by two showgirl impersonators after the man gave them a $20 tip and the performers allegedly demanded more money. One performer, Jennifer Ortiz, is accused of striking the man with a high-heeled boot, leaving a 2-inch gash on his forehead. Ortiz has a pending court date of December 3 and was previously charged in a similar fighting incident at the Fremont Street Experience earlier this year.
The incident has prompted officials to remind tourists that tipping street performers is entirely optional. Veteran busker Shadow, who has performed on Fremont Street for nearly 18 years, said he was not surprised by the attack. "I've seen worse," he said. "I can't believe the amount of people who walk by and go, 'What does it cost for a picture with you?' It costs nothing. If you choose to drop something in the cup on the way out, cool, because that's how I make my living ... but things have gotten way out of control from where they used to be."
Aggressive solicitation has been a long-standing issue. Tripadvisor's page for the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign" includes hundreds of testimonials describing photographers demanding tips despite signs stating vendors are not licensed there. On Fremont Street, the city and Fremont Street Experience, LLC, manage a daily lottery assigning performers to 38 designated circles. Shadow said the circles were created because performers "used to chase people down the street, grabbing them when they didn't leave a tip." Different governmental entities govern the Strip and downtown areas.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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